The Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage 2015 is an exceptional wine for pairing with luxurious, high-end dishes. Its complexity and balance make it an ideal companion to seafood, particularly caviar, king crab, and langoustine. The wine’s delicate profile also complements meats with tangy notes, such as roasted pork, lamb, or duck. For a truly unique experience, try pairing this vintage with exotic fruits like kiwi and guava, or dishes with green curry spices, to accentuate its stimulating complexity. Maker: In 1668, Dom Pierre Pérignon was appointed procurator at the Abbey of Hautvillers. For 47 years, he worked to make the “best wine in the world”. Three centuries later, the Maison Dom Pérignon perpetuates this creative ambition through the constantly renewed quest for harmony as a source of emotion. All creative processes have their constraints. Dom Pérignon’s constraint is the vintage: an ambition to bear witness to the harvest of a single year, whatever the challenges may be, even if it means choosing not to declare the vintage. Dom Pérignon is always an assemblage, forming the foundation of the Dom Pérignon style. It is guided by timeless principles that have always taken precedence over winemaking techniques and their evolution. Time is also part of the equation for Dom Pérignon. During the time of active maturation on the lees, in the darkness of the cellars, the aesthetic and sensory values of each vintage are played out: precision, intensity, touch, minerality, and complexity. Dom Pierre Pérignon's legacy has often been misconceived, overshadowed by myths of inventing Champagne, and even unfounded rumours of blindness. However, what remains true beyond doubt is his extraordinary hard work and dedication to crafting the finest wine in the world. His innovations were groundbreaking. He developed the gentle 'coquard' press, which enabled him to produce clear, still white wine from black grapes. Pérignon also understood the unique challenges of Champagne's marginal climate, pioneering the art of blending grapes from different vineyards to create a more complete and balanced wine. His use of stronger verre anglais ('English glass') bottles, designed to withstand pressure, and the reintroduction of cork as a reliable closure were crucial advancements in winemaking. Through his tireless efforts, Pérignon laid the groundwork for the Champagne and the modern wine world. Philosophy: The philosophy behind Dom Pérignon is one of unwavering commitment to creating Champagne that transcends time, showcasing both the current expression and the potential for future development. Dom Pérignon believes that great Champagne is not simply made—it is born out of nature’s elements and transformed through time, patience, and a deep passion for excellence. With a focus on vintage production, Dom Pérignon captures the essence of each harvest, allowing each bottle to express the unique conditions of the year and the terroir it comes from. The House’s philosophy is reflected in its approach to both blending and aging. Each vintage is crafted to express the duality of fruit and structure, with a delicate balance between power and elegance. The wines are carefully aged to allow them to evolve, with each bottle revealing new dimensions of flavour and complexity as it matures. Dom Pérignon’s philosophy extends beyond just winemaking—it is about creating something that will stand the test of time, an expression of both the present and the future. Tasting Notes Nose Roasted, Floral, Spicy Deep, roasted notes of cacao powder and toasted aromas, gradually unfolding to reveal floral fragrances of lime blossom, jasmine, and peony. A spicy dimension of anise and cardamom adds depth, while a touch of green papaya and orange peel invigorate the overall profile. Palate Broad, Tactile, Generous The wine is broad and tactile, spreading across the tongue with a delicate yet generous texture. Fresh peach, nectarine, and citrus are complemented by sculpted bitter notes of citrus and gentian, creating a harmonious and balanced tasting experience. Finish Fresh, Balanced, Long The finish is long and smooth, with a lingering sweetness that ties together the bright, fresh fruit and the subtle bitterness. The wine’s vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins leave a lasting, memorable impression. The 2015 Dom Pérignon is terrific. Bright and poised, the 2015 shows terrific energy. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and slate all race across the palate. There's gorgeous tension and backbone here, with bright saline notes that extend the mid-palate and finish. This is a fine showing in a vintage that has proven to be tricky. I am intrigued to see how the 2015 develops in the coming years. 2025-2045. - Antonio Galloni (03/2024), Vinous, 96 Points. Disgorged in January 2023, the 2015 Dom Pérignon shows a singular, ethereal profile with aromas of white pepper, iodine, ripe orchard fruits, toast, smoke, herbs and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and structured, it’s enveloping and round with a delicate phenolic mid-palate that underlines chalky dry extracts, concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish with gastronomic bitterness. This iteration of Dom Pérignon, though replete with the customary charm and vinous generosity that typify the label, distinguishes itself by its structural delicate austerity and a notably phenolic profile, giving rise to a remarkably linear and well-defined style that diverges markedly from the more familiar expressions of Dom Pérignon. - Yohan Castaing (05/2024), Wine Advocate, 95 Points. Remarkably pale at this early stage in the glass, the nose hits Dom Pérignon's classic gunsmoke and flint notes together with sweet and bright citrus. Packed with silky ripe fruits on both nose and palate, this is approachable now. Notes of fresh mint and fresh bread dough add to the layers on the palate, which has a creamy mousse but well-defined and vibrant acidity. Chalky in texture on the finish, this is ready to drink but will doubtless evolve well in bottle for over a decade. - Thomas Parker MW (07/2024), 94 Points.

The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.

Château Haut-Brion was the one and only estate outside of the Médoc and Sauternes to be bestowed 1st Growth status in the original classification of 1855. That reputation and standing has withstood over 150 years and can be tasted in what can only be described as 'blockbuster' white wine. A blend of 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon, this wine should be held up as the flag-bearer for all Bordeaux Blancs. Mind blowing texture is the trademark of 2009 along with superb flavours and aromas of lemon scented cream, orange skin and a touch of lanolin. The ageing propensity of this wine is not be underestimated and will last in a good cellar for at least 30 years.

One of the finest and most ethereal of all Burgundies, Domaine-Mugneret Grands-Échézeaux comes from a small 1 hectare plot of old vines averaging in age between 40 and 70 years. Silky and intense with a beguiling perfume of violets, fresh cherries, earth, leather, forest floor and truffle, the wine shows lovely volume and density with the structure to age gracefully over many years.

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Merisier , Clos Saint-Denis

For some, the exquisite Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue' Musigny Grand Cru 2009 represents the pinnacle of red wine achievment in Burgundy. A special feature of de Vogüé is that their Musigny is called Musigny Vieilles Vignes old vines. For this wine, only vines 25 years or older are used. The average age is usually over 40 years.